Another report delays new roundabouts for 'black spot' Portlaoise road
It is almost two years since an expert study recommended three more roundabouts in Portlaoise, to make the busy Mountmellick N80 road safer for all users.
Now a second opinion is being requested, covering that road right out to the Fairgreen roundabout, adding to the long wait to get the works done.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland who will bankroll the project on the national road, has asked Laois County Council to carry out a Feasibility and Options report.
They want the report to address safety and capacity on the entire stretch of road, from Fairgreen to Market Square.
The roundabouts were recommended at the junctions to Harpurs Lane, Green Mill Lane and the Ballyfin Road, to help locals drive out onto the busy road safely, and help pedestrians and cyclists cross.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley tabled a motion to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District asking for the update.
“It is one of the black spot areas for cycling, nobody can cycle there, it is so dangerous. It is the last road in Portlaoise that has been neglected.
“It's getting busier and busier. I know a lot of residents who go the long way around by the Bog Road.
“You did great work further out but this is about diverting that traffic,” she said.
The MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald seconded the motion.
“It's really bad, it needs a lot of investment. It's an embarrassment for us as councillors,” she said.
Engineer Paul McLoughlin said that the council recently met the TII to discuss advancing the proposals for the road.
He said the TII requested the new assessment for the longer stretch of the road.
The council say they are now preparing a brief to appoint a consultant engineer to prepare the report which will then be submitted to the TII.